WO2019197758A2

WO2019197758A2 - Detection device

Info

Publication number: WO2019197758A2
Application number: PCT/FR2019/050801
Authority: WO
Inventors: Cyril Bros; Frédéric DUCHÊNE; Emmanuel Gelinotte
Original assignee: Gaming Partners International
Priority date: 2018-04-09
Filing date: 2019-04-05
Publication date: 2019-10-17
Also published as: FR3079972B1; WO2019197758A3; FR3079972A1

Abstract

Disclosed is a detection device (D1) for detecting detectable objects (J) which are fitted with electromagnetically detectable identification means (JD), are advantageously arranged in a stack and are placed on a horizontal detection area, the detection device (D1) comprising an emitting antenna (Ae1) that has a resonant frequency and generates an electromagnetic field having a gross range with a horizontal coverage that covers the horizontal detection area as well as a vertical component, characterized in that the detection device further comprises a passive antenna (Ap1) that has the same resonant frequency as the emitting antenna (Ae1) so as to be excited by the electromagnetic field of the emitting antenna (Ae1) and generate a combined electromagnetic field having a combined range that has the desired form, the vertical component of which is greater than the gross range of the emitting antenna (Ae1) and which has a horizontal coverage that continues to cover the horizontal detection area substantially in the same way.

Description

Detection device

The present invention relates to a detection device for detecting objects equipped with electromagnetically detectable means and advantageously arranged in a stack, including stacks of chips or casino plates equipped with RFID or NFC chip. The detection device conventionally comprises a transmitting antenna generating, when supplied with current, an electromagnetic field having a range that uniformly covers the surface occupied by the detectable objects and having a resonance frequency. The present invention finds a privileged application in the particular field of gaming tables on which players deposit wagers in the form of chips, plates or cards (playing card, membership card, etc.), often arranged in stack . The preferred field of application of the present invention is therefore that of equipment used in casinos and gambling halls. However, the present invention may find applications in other fields where it is necessary or useful to enumerate and / or identify any detectable objects, advantageously arranged in the form of a stack, column, row, line, etc., preferably vertical, but possibly also horizontal or oblique.

In the field of gaming tables, including casino type, a game carpet conventionally defines several playing areas on which tokens (or plates) are deposited in the form of piles of up to 25 tokens. Each zone of play defines a restricted restricted area in which the players know that it is necessary to deposit the bets. And since this area is small, it is convenient to deposit piles of chips. Thus, it is common that a game area is covered with several stacks of chips arranged next to each other, at a short distance or even in contact. It is then necessary to be able to detect in a reliable and uniform way on all the zone of game.

The play areas can be very isolated from each other, or instead be arranged next to each other. A game table Classic is intended to accommodate one or more players, as well as a dealer. Its game mat is designed according to the type of game: poker, baccarat, blackjack, roulette, SicBo, Craps and their variants. A classic table for baccarat can for example define five sets of play zones each comprising a PLAYER playing area, a BANKER playing area and a TIE playing area, for example arranged in a fan pattern around a recess where is positioned the croupier. In each series, the playing areas are arranged in line with the playing area "BANKER" positioned between the PLAYER playing area and the TIE playing area. Thus, the "BANKER" playing area is adjacent and close to both the "PLAYER" playing area and the "TIE" playing area. As a result, the stacks of chips deposited in the "BANKER" play area can be very close to the "PLAYER" or "TIE" play area.

On the other hand, it is more and more common to use wagering means chips or plates, having or not a face value and equipped with RFID or NFC chips, or more generally still passive means of identification which are detectable when subjected to an appropriate electromagnetic field that allows them to be fed. ISO standard frequencies for limited range traceability and logistics applications are High Frequency (HF) between 10 and 22 MHz and preferably 13.56 MHz. There are also game tables where one or more game area (s) is / are equipped (s) of token detectors and / or detectable game boards. These detectors are arranged below the game mat at certain playing areas. When a player deposits on the playing area of the game table tokens and / or game boards to make a bet, they are detected in real time and their identifying elements are sent electronically to a computer. These detectors can also be installed in areas of storage or storage, or to measure the cash balances of each player and currency conversions / token. The computer retrieves this information and can compare it to a database in order to verify that these setting elements (token-plate) have the authorization of use and / or that they comply (Counterfeiting). A detector of this type is described in particular in US7883408.

The detectors and the computer thus make it possible to collect information on the authenticity, identity, location, value and quantity of tokens and plates deposited on certain areas of the game carpet.

However, conventional detectors are inefficient, inappropriate or imprecise when it comes to close or adjacent play areas or isolated play areas that are often tokens. These conventional detectors will not differentiate between the chips placed on the playing area and the chips located outside the playing area, but arranged near the playing area. More specifically, the antenna devices ( s) these detectors generate electromagnetic fields that are powerful enough to activate the RFID chips (or others) chips near the gaming area.

Thus, given the generalization of chips (plates or cards)

"RFID", the stacking of tokens on restricted areas, sometimes close or adjacent, and the ever growing desire to trace the course and positioning of the chips, plates or cards on the game table, including at the level play areas, it is interesting to be able to detect only tokens (plates or cards) deposited on a particular and precise area, without including tokens (or stacks of chips) located outside of it, and more particularly those located in close proximity, including those placed on adjacent play area (s).

It is therefore an object of the present invention to design a detection device capable of generating an electromagnetic field for activating the RFID chips (or other electromagnetically detectable identification means) chips (plates or cards) which are placed only on the detection zone considered by providing them with the sufficient energy they need to operate, whereas this electromagnetic field is insufficient or inefficient to activate the RFID chips of the chips which are placed outside the detection zone considered. In view of the vertical column configuration of the token stacks, the electromagnetic field must propagate sufficiently upwards, vertically above the detection zone in question, without extending too much or not at all on the sides.

Another object of the invention is to design a detection device capable of generating a homogeneous electromagnetic field which is substantially constant over the entire detection zone in question, so that any stack of chips (plates or cards) placed on the area will be covered and "energized" in the same way by the electromagnetic field.

To achieve these objects, the present invention proposes a device for detecting detectable objects equipped with electromagnetically detectable means and advantageously arranged in a stack, in particular stacks of chips or casino plates equipped with an RFID or NFC chip, the detection device comprising a transmitting antenna having a resonant frequency and generating, when supplied with current, an own electromagnetic field having a gross bearing surface having a horizontal coverage covering a horizontal detection zone and a vertical component perpendicular to the horizontal detection zone, characterized in that it further comprises a passive antenna having the same resonant frequency as the transmitting antenna, so as to be excited by the electromagnetic field of the transmitting antenna to generate a combined electromagnetic field having a combined range of desired shape whose component worm is larger than that of the gross range of the transmitting antenna, and with a horizontal cover covering the horizontal detection zone substantially always in the same way. Thus, the passive antenna has the role of sufficiently reinforcing along the vertical axis (perpendicular to the plane of the antennas) the electromagnetic field generated by the transmitting antenna to detect all the detectable objects present in the specific area to be detected.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the transmitting and passive antennas can be respectively arranged in planes parallel, which are spaced from each other from 0.1 mm to 2 mm, preferably from 1 mm to 1.5 mm and preferably of the order of 1.2 mm for a maximum reinforcing effect. The two parallel planes may for example be formed by the two opposite parallel faces of a plate, on which the transmitting and passive antennas are made in the form of tracks or conductive strips.

Advantageously, the passive antenna is essentially, advantageously entirely, inscribed in the transmitting antenna. This means that the edges of the passive antenna in the background are located inside the edges of the transmitting antenna in the foreground. By observing the antennas from a point of view centered on the antennas and perpendicular to the parallel planes, the passive antenna does not extend outside the transmitting antenna. In other words, the transmitting antenna is larger and completely surrounds the passive antenna, even if they are not located in the same plane. It can also be said that the passive antenna is inscribed in the total size of the transmitting antenna. However, in some cases, part of the passive antenna may extend outside the transmitting active antenna.

According to another advantageous aspect, the transmitting and passive antennas have a global shape substantially corresponding to that of the detection zone, for example rectangular or circular. It could also be said that the antennas define an overall size similar to that of the detection zone.

According to a practical embodiment, the transmitting antenna may comprise peripheral segments and radial segments which extend from the peripheral segments substantially towards the center of the transmitting antenna, the radial segments extending advantageously in pairs adjacent. Advantageously, no radial segment passes through the center of the transmitting antenna. These radial segments have the role of standardizing or homogenizing the intensity of the electromagnetic field proper to the transmitting antenna over its entire extent. Furthermore, the transmitting antenna may comprise recessed peripheral segments which form inward recesses, advantageously arranged in a centered manner. In other words, the segments that form the outer edges of the transmitting antenna may include narrowing that is closer to the center of the antenna. These recesses or tightenings have the role of tightening the electromagnetic field proper to the transmitting antenna so that it does not create a belly or lobe that would move too far from the antenna and which could thus cover external areas where could be located other detectable items or objects. The passive antenna has a more conventional configuration with a conventional winding tracks, strips or conductive son, which can however accommodate the recesses of the transmitting antenna bypassing them so as to also form corresponding recesses.

In another practical aspect, the peripheral segments may have different widths, advantageously extending in parallel, thereby forming inner peripheral segments having a greater width than outer peripheral segments. This "splitting" of the peripheral segments notably allows the formation of the radial segments mentioned above.

The spirit of the invention is to associate a passive antenna with a transmitting antenna so as to obtain a combined, resulting or complex electromagnetic field which has a horizontal coverage identical or similar to that of the transmitting antenna alone, but a cover or increased vertical component, so as to detect stacked objects disposed on the detection zone, even at one of its edges. The homogeneity of the gross range of the transmitting antenna is mainly due to the radial segments which extend towards the inside of the transmitting antenna. This homogeneity is not disturbed by the contribution of the passive antenna, which is manifested mainly by an increase in the vertical component of the range. The detents or narrowing of the transmitting antenna make it possible to have detection devices side by side, with a small gap, without overlapping the respective combined staves.

Thus, according to the invention, several detection devices as defined above can be combined to form an assembly in which the detection devices are disposed adjacent to the transmitting antennas arranged in the same first plane and the passive antennas in the same second plane, and with a distance between two adjacent detection devices less than 50 mm, preferably less than 30 mm, or even 20 mm. The transmitting antennas may comprise peripheral segments that form inward recesses, the recesses of two adjacent detection devices advantageously being opposite each other. This ensures that the electromagnetic fields of the two devices do not overlap.

In operation, it is preferable that only one of the detection devices is supplied with current at a time, while the other detection devices are or remain totally or partially short-circuited, so as to fulfill a role of Faraday cage.

The subject of the invention is also a gaming table having a game mat defining at least one detection zone, delimited locally with precision, this detection zone being equipped with a detection device as defined above, for identification of tokens, plates or cards possibly stacked on this detection zone.

The subject of the invention is also a gaming table having a game mat defining a plurality of detection zones, locally delimited with precision and arranged in an adjacent manner, these detection zones being equipped with an assembly as defined above, for the identification of tokens, plates or cards possibly arranged in piles on these detection zones.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description given below, with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate embodiments having no limiting character. Among these drawings:

FIG. 1 represents a classic game table seen by a player, with playing zones drawn on the mat of the game table,

FIG. 2 very schematically illustrates an antenna transmitting a conventional detection device used to detect chips, plates or cards on a casino game mat,

FIG. 3 is a graph of the detection range of the transmitting antenna of FIG. 2,

FIG. 4 illustrates, in a schematic representation developed, the basic design of the detection device of the invention,

FIG. 5 represents the basic design of FIG. 4,

FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view through the detection device of FIG. 5,

FIGS. 7a to 7f are schematic plan views of several embodiments for a detection device of the invention,

FIG. 8a is a graph of the detection range of the transmitting antenna alone of a detection device of the invention,

FIG. 8b is a graph of the combined range of a detection device of the invention,

FIG. 9 is a view in vertical cross section through a game table equipped with a detection device of the invention,

FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of a set of three detection devices of the invention arranged side by side, and

FIG. 11 is a view in vertical cross-section through a game table equipped with the set of detection devices of FIG. 10.

Figure 1 shows a game table T for baccarat. The player visualizes five sets of three game zones traced Z1, Z2 and Z3 on the game mat C, which are staging zones, namely areas where to place chips and / or plates to make bets, namely a PLAYER playing area, a BANKER playing area and a TIE playing area. In this example, the zones are exclusively bet zones, but it can to be otherwise. Indeed, the zones can also be storage or storage areas, or to measure the cash balances of each player and currency conversions / token. The number of series and the number of zones in each series is purely illustrative, and in no way limiting.

The game table T may be provided with conventional detection devices under the game zones Z1, Z2 and / or Z3. These detection devices allow the detection of specific game elements (tokens J, plates, dice, etc.) equipped with detectable identification means (for example RFID, NFC). These detection devices can also detect any other game item (phones, membership cards, etc.). There is no requirement that all zones Z1, Z2 and Z3 be equipped with a detection device.

More generally, detection devices can be set up below any zone, which can thus be described generally as a "detection zone".

Conventionally, a detection device comprises a loop-shaped transmitting antenna Aa, as can be seen in FIG. 2. This conventional antenna Aa, when supplied with current, produces an electromagnetic field with a resonance frequency and a three-dimensional scope having a horizontal coverage covering the game area Z1, Z2, Z3 and a vertical component perpendicular to the game area. In Figure 3, one can see the shape of the range of the antenna Aa. It comprises firstly a central main dome Pa1 centered on the antenna Aa and a secondary secondary ring Pa2. The horizontal coverage of the Pa1 dome corresponds approximately to the size of the antenna Aa. The crown Pa2 surrounds around the antenna Aa. The dome Pa1 comprises an annular ridge Pa11 forming a central pan Pa12. Pa1 slopes Pa1 dome are not steep: in other words, the annular peak Pa1 1 is away from the outer edge of the antenna Aa, where the electromagnetic field is zero or almost zero. The vertical component of the dome Pa1, at its peak Pa1 1, is significantly larger than that of the annular ring Pa2. Of course, the antenna Aa emits symmetrically on each of its two faces.

With such a transmitting antenna Aa, it is possible to detect tokens, plates, etc. arranged above the antenna, but more difficult to stacks of chips or plates, due to the inhomogeneity of the main dome Pa1. Indeed, a stack placed exactly in the center will be only partially detected, because the top of the pile is positioned in the central pan Pa12, inside the peak Pa1 1. It will be the same for a stack positioned at the level slope Pa13: the tokens of the top of the stack will be located outside the main dome Pa1. Moreover, because of its significant intensity, secondary crown Pa2 is likely to detect chips or plates located outside the perimeter of the antenna Aa. It can thus be said that this transmitting antenna Aa is effective for detecting tokens or plates, provided that they are not arranged in piles that are too high and that there are no chips or plates around the antenna.

In order to overcome its detection range shortcomings, both horizontal and vertical, the invention proposes a particular type of detection device that combines or combines a passive antenna with an active transmitting antenna. The passive antenna has the same resonance frequency as the transmitting antenna, so as to be excited by the electromagnetic field of the transmitting antenna to generate a combined electromagnetic field having a combined range of desired shape whose vertical component is larger that of the gross range of the transmitting antenna, and with a horizontal coverage covering substantially always in the same way the horizontal detection zone.

FIG. 4 illustrates this combination which amounts to adding a passive antenna Ap1 to a transmitting antenna Ae1, which could be similar to that Aa of the prior art of FIG. 2. Only the transmitting antenna Ae1 is supplied with current, the passive antenna Ap1 being excited by the transmitting antenna Ae1. The passive antenna Ap1, when excited, has the effect of increasing the vertical component of the main dome Pa1, which is for the antenna Aa to go up the pan Pa12 and stiffen the slopes Pa13. In FIG. 5, it can be noted that the passive antenna Ap1 is entirely inscribed inside the transmitting antenna Ae1. The antenna Ap1 may have a shape comparable to or identical to that of the antenna Ae1. The two antennas can be rectangular with right sides 1 1, 21. The passive antenna Ap1 can follow the inner contour of the transmitting antenna Ae1 with a constant gap.

In FIG. 6, it can be seen that the two antennas Ae1 and Ap1 are respectively formed on the two opposite parallel faces B1 and B2 of a plate B whose thickness E may be 1.2 mm. This thickness E may, however, vary from 0.1 mm to 3 mm, advantageously from 1 mm to 1.5 mm. The transmitting antennas Ae1 and passive Ap1 are made in the form of tracks or conductive strips deposited on both sides B1 and B2 of the plate B. Thus, the transmitting antennas Ae1 and passive Ap1 are flat and parallel and separated from each other. another of a distance corresponding to the thickness E of the plate B.

The embodiment of Figures 4 to 6 is a basic embodiment, which can be improved, as will now be seen with reference to Figures 7a to 7f.

The detection device D2 of FIG. 7a also comprises a transmitting antenna Ae2 and a passive antenna Ap2. The two antennas have a rectangular overall shape, with the passive antenna Ap2 inscribed inside the transmitting antenna Ae2. However, the transmitting antenna Ae2 comprises peripheral segments 112 which are interrupted by radial segments 122 which meet at connecting segments 132, which are located near the center of the antenna. The transmitting antenna Ae2 thus has a configuration in the shape of a four-leaf clover, each leaf of which is composed of two peripheral segments 1 12 and two radial segments 122. The sheets are separated from each other by radial slots 142 delimited by two parallel radial segments 122 and a link segment 132. The link segments 132 are located next to one another forming a virtual square. It may also be noted that these radial slots 142 are located in the middle of the sides of the rectangle, thus separating each side of the rectangle into two peripheral segments 1 12 of equal length.

As for the passive antenna Ap2, it has a rectangular shape that follows the peripheral segments 1 12 of the interior, stepping over the radial slots 142. We can still consider that the passive antenna Ap2 is fully registered to the inside the transmitting antenna Ae2. In any case, the passive antenna Ap2 is written entirely inside the space of the transmitting antenna Ae2, delimited by the peripheral segments 1 12.

The radial segments 122, here eight in number arranged in pairs, make it possible to homogenize the main dome of the three-dimensional span by decreasing or eliminating the central pan Pa12. This gives a regular main dome without bowl.

The detection device D3 of FIG. 7b also comprises a transmitting antenna Ae3 and a passive antenna Ap3. It may be noted that the transmitting antenna Ae3 has a general configuration in the form of a diabolo, whereas the passive antenna Ap3 has a generally rectangular shape. The vertical edges are formed by straight peripheral segments 113, 213, which are parallel, but the horizontal edges are formed by curved peripheral segments 153 for the transmitting antenna Ae3 and rectilinear peripheral segments 253 for the passive antenna Ap3. The curved peripheral segments 153 thus form recesses or narrowing. It may be noted that the passive antenna Ap3 is not entirely inscribed inside the transmitting antenna Ae3, since its rectilinear peripheral segments 253 extend outside the curved peripheral segments 153.

The tightening or recess formed by the curved peripheral segments 153 makes it possible to tighten the horizontal scope of the magnetic field, thus avoiding undesirably overflowing towards the top or the bottom, when FIG. 7b is observed.

The detection device D4 of FIG. 7c results substantially from the combination of the detection devices D2 and D3, in that the detection device D4 incorporates both radial slots 144 and recesses 154, 254, in the form of recessed peripheral segments. It can also be said that radial slots 144 are formed at recesses 154. The transmitting antenna Ae4 thus forms two identical lobes by mirror symmetry interconnected by an area formed between the two connecting sections 134. Instead of being Curved as in the device D3, the recesses of the device D4 are formed by rectilinear peripheral segments, which are, however, arranged in an unhooked manner towards the inside, thus forming a rectilinear constriction. However, this tightening is interrupted, substantially in the center of the recessed peripheral segments 154 by the radial slots 144 defined by a pair of radial segments 124 and a connecting segment 134.

The passive antenna Ap4 follows the internal contour of the transmitting antenna Ae4, except at the two slots 144, as in the detection device D2 of FIG. 7a. It can still be said that the passive antenna Ap4 is entirely inscribed inside the active transmitting antenna Ae4, or at least inside the overall bulk of the antenna Ae4.

The detection device D4 combines the advantages of the two detection devices D2 and D3, namely a better homogeneity of the main dome of the range of the electromagnetic field and a control of the horizontal range on both horizontal sides, when one observes the Figure 7c.

The detection device D5 of FIG. 7d is more particularly adapted to a fan-shaped detection zone Z5. The detection device D5 also comprises a transmitting antenna Ae5 and a passive antenna Ap5. The transmitting antenna Ae5 also has a global shape that substantially corresponds to that of the detection zone Z5, that is to say a fan. The transmitting antenna Ae5 comprises peripheral segments 115 and radial segments 125 forming between them radial slots 145. These radial slots 145 are here three in number, thus delimiting four distinct substantially identical zones which are interconnected at the segment level. link 135. This transmitting antenna Ae5 produces a homogeneous range with a regular main dome. The passive antenna Ap5 is entirely inscribed within the overall size of the transmitting antenna Ae5 and has an overall shape of diabolo. Indeed, the passive antenna Ap5 comprises rectilinear segments 255 which meet substantially at the middle of the antenna at an angle.

The detection device D6 of FIG. 7e has a circular overall configuration and is more particularly designed for a star-shaped detection zone Z6. The detection device D6 also comprises a transmitting antenna Ae6 and a passive antenna Ap6. The transmitting antenna Ae6 comprises an outer circular loop 1 16 and an inner circular loop 166, which is arranged concentrically inside the outer loop 1 16. The two loops 1 16 and 166 are interconnected by two bridges 176. The outer loop 1 16 covers a portion of the branches of the star of the detection zone Z6, without going to the tip of the branches. The passive antenna Ap6 is circular in shape and is entirely inscribed inside the outer peripheral loop 1 16, except at the level of the bridges 176. It can still be considered that the passive antenna Ap6 is inscribed inside. the overall size of the transmitting antenna Ae6.

The detection device D7 of FIG. 7f also comprises a transmitting antenna Ae7 and a passive antenna Ap7. The overall configuration of the transmitting antenna Ae7 is oval or oblong. It corresponds to a rectangular shape with rounded corners. The transmitting antenna Ae7 comprises dual peripheral segments, namely outer peripheral segments 11a and inner peripheral segments 11b, which advantageously follow each other with a constant gap. It can be said that the outer segments 1 1 a and inner 1 1 b are substantially parallel, even if they are not rectilinear. It may be noted that the inner segments 11b have a width or a thickness greater than that of the outer peripheral segments 11a. The transmitting antenna Ae7 also comprises radial segments 127, grouped in pairs, thus forming four radial slots 147 which meet at their center 148, thus forming a cross. It can also be noted that the inner peripheral segments 11b each connect an outer peripheral segment 11a via a bridge 177, which advantageously passes through the other face of the plate. The transmitting antenna Ae7 is thus formed of four adjacent quarters separated by a cross-shaped slot.

As for the passive antenna Ap7, it is here very simply in the form of a rounded loop which follows with a substantially constant difference the inner peripheral segments 1 1b of the transmitting antenna Ae7.

This detection device D7 has not only a homogeneous main dome, but also steep slopes, because the peripheral segments are doubled, and even reinforced at the inner segments 1 1 b.

Through the six embodiments of FIGS. 7a to 7f, it is understood that it is possible to influence the shape of the main dome of the range of the combined electromagnetic field resulting from the combination of an active transmitting antenna and a passive antenna excited by the active antenna. The radial segments and the radial slots make it possible to homogenize the main dome so as to attenuate or even eliminate the central bowl. Tightening or recesses allow to control the horizontal scope of the electromagnetic field at desired edges. The detection device of the invention can adapt to all forms of detection zones, including rectangular, fan or star. The splitting of the peripheral segments makes it possible to obtain a main dome with very steep slopes.

In FIG. 8a, a graph is shown which illustrates the electromagnetic range of a transmitting antenna alone, such as that of the detection devices D2, D4 or D7. It can be seen that the main dome Pe1 is homogeneous, that is to say without central axial bowl. Its vertical component is not important, since the transmitting antenna does not need to be powered with a current as strong as a conventional antenna. The Pe1 main dome is thus homogeneous, but relatively flat. Similarly, the peripheral ring Pe2 is not very marked.

FIG. 8b illustrates the shape of the electromagnetic field emitted by any detection device of the invention, for example the device D7. We can immediately notice that the main dome P1 is higher than the main dome Pe1, and that these slopes are steeper. As for the secondary ring P2, it remained practically unchanged with respect to the secondary ring Pe2 of FIG. 8a. The horizontal range of the P1 dome has remained unchanged, but its vertical component along the Z axis has increased considerably. As explained above, this increase in the vertical component of the range of the electromagnetic field comes from the contribution of the passive antenna which is excited by the active transmitting antenna.

Fig. 9 shows a part of the game table T of Fig. 1 at the placing area Z1. It can be seen in this cross-section that the game table T comprises a game mat C in which the placing area Z1 is formed. Below this setting area Z1, the table forms a housing T1 in which is received a detection device of the invention, such as the device D7. On the bet area Z1 was deposited a stack of chips J each equipped with electromagnetic identification means ID, such as an RFID or NFC chip. It may be noted that this stack of chips J, although deposited at the edge of the setting zone Z1 is still located within the scope of the electromagnetic field, and more particularly within its main dome P1. More precisely, it is sufficient for the identification means ID to be located inside the main dome P1, as can be seen in FIG. 9.

The detection of this stack of chips J is made possible by the invention because the main dome P1 of the scope of the electromagnetic field has steep slopes and an increased and homogeneous vertical component. FIG. 10 shows a set of three detection devices D8, D8 'and D9 which can for example be installed below a series of setting zones Z1, Z2 and Z3 of the table T of FIG. 1, corresponding respectively to FIGS. PLAYER, BANKER and TIE betting areas. The two detection devices D8 and D8 'can be identical by mirror symmetry. As a result, only one of these detection devices will be described here. Thus, the detection device D8 also comprises an emitting antenna Ae8 and a passive antenna Ap8. The transmitting antenna Ae8 has a rectangular overall shape, but with a recessed peripheral segment 158. The transmitting antenna A8 also comprises radial segments 128 forming radial slots 148, in a manner substantially similar to the detection device D5. The passive antenna Ap8 is inscribed inside the transmitting antenna Ae8 except at the slots 148.

It may be noted that the recessed peripheral segments 158 of the two detecting devices D8 and D8 'face each other. In addition, the minimum distance between the two transmitting antennas Ae8 and Ae8 'is reduced, of the order of 50 mm, or even 30 mm. The setting areas Z1 and Z2 can be separated only by 20 to 30 mm.

The detection device D9 has an annular overall configuration, corresponding to that of the setting zone Z3. The transmitting antenna Ae9 comprises an outer peripheral loop 1 19 and two radial segments 129 forming a diametrical slot 149. The transmitting antenna Ae9 thus has two semi-circular lobes separated by the diametrical slot 149. As for the passive antenna Ap9, it has a circular shape, inscribed inside the outer peripheral loop 119, and overlapping the diametrical slot 149. The distance between the betting area Z3 and the betting area Z2 is greater than that between the other placing Z1 and Z2, for example of the order of 50 to 70 mm.

FIG. 11 is a representation similar to that of FIG. 9, showing a part of the table T formed with a housing T1 receiving the three detection devices D8, D8 'and D9, just below the placing zones Z1, Z2 and Z3, respectively. A stack of J tokens equipped with medium electromagnetic identification ID, for example of the RFID or N FC type, is placed at the edge of the setting zone Z1 on the side of the setting zone Z2. All the chips J of the token stack are located inside the main dome P1 of the range of the electromagnetic field of the detection device D8 ', as in FIG. 9. It can however be noted that the peripheral ring P2 on the side The right of Figure 1 1 is much larger than the crown P2 'on the left side. This is made possible by completely or partially bypassing the detection device D8 of the setting zone Z2, so as to create a Faraday cage which locally reduces the ring P2 '. The short-circuiting of the detection device D8 can be total by shorting both the transmitting antenna Ae8 and the passive antenna Ap8, or partially by short-circuiting only one of these antennas.

Of course, when a stack of chips J will be disposed on the setting area Z2, the detection device D8 'will in turn be wholly or partially short-circuited to create a Faraday cage. Other devices and techniques can still be used to prevent any extension of the scope of the magnetic field to an adjacent betting area. These range containment means may be integrated with the detection device, for example around the passive antenna or the transmitting antenna, or may be added to the device.

Thanks to the invention, a detection device, or set of detection devices, is obtained which has a combined electromagnetic field having a range for detecting piles of chips or plates of up to twenty-five elements, even if these stacks are disposed at one edge of the detection zone, and even adjacent to another detection zone, without spuriously detecting tokens or stacks of chips arranged on this other adjacent detection zone . The increase of the vertical component of the range comes from the passive antenna and the homogeneity of the range comes from the radial segments. Restriction of the horizontal reach, especially advantageous for adjacent low-lying areas distance, comes from peripheral segments unhooked or tightened. The passive antenna is preferably entirely inscribed within the overall size of the transmitting antenna.

The detection device of the invention has been implemented in a casino game table, but it can be implemented in other circumstances, inside a casino or outside, for example to detect stacks of any objects.

Claims

claims

1.- Detection device (D1; D2; D3; D4; D5; D6; D7; D8; D8 ', D9) of detectable objects (J) equipped with electromagnetically detectable identification means (ID) and advantageously arranged in stack, in particular stacks of chips or casino plates equipped with an RFID or NFC chip, deposited on a horizontal detection zone (Z1, Z2, Z3, Z5, Z6), the detection device (D1; D2; D3; D4; D5; D6; D7; D8, D8 ', D9) comprising a transmitting antenna (Ae1; Ae2; Ae3; Ae4; Ae5; Ae6; Ae7; Ae8; Ae8'; Ae9) having a resonant frequency and generating, when current-fed, an electromagnetic field having a gross bearing surface having a horizontal coverage covering the horizontal detection zone and a vertical component perpendicular to the horizontal detection zone,

characterized in that it further comprises a passive antenna (Ap1; Ap2; Ap3; Ap4; Ap5; Ap6; Ap7; Ap8; Ap8 ', Ap9) having the same resonance frequency as the transmitting antenna (Ae1; Ae2; Ae3; Ae4; Ae5; Ae6; Ae7; Ae8; Ae8 '; Ae9) so as to be excited by the electromagnetic field of the transmitting antenna (Ae1; Ae2; Ae3; Ae4; Ae5; Ae6; Ae7; Ae8; Ae8; ', Ae9) to generate a combined electromagnetic field having a combined range of desired shape whose vertical component is larger than that of the gross range of the transmitting antenna (Ae1; Ae2; Ae3; Ae4; Ae5; Ae6; Ae7; Ae8, Ae8 ', Ae9), and with horizontal coverage substantially always covering the horizontal detection area in substantially the same manner.

2. A detection device (D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6, D7, D8, D8 ', D9) according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting antennas (Ae1; Ae2; Ae3; Ae4; Ae5; Ae6; Ae7, Ae8, Ae8 ', Ae9) and passive (Ap1; Ap2; Ap3; Ap4; Ap5; Ap6; Ap7; Ap8, Ap8', Ap9) are respectively disposed in parallel planes which are spaced from each other by a distance E of the order of 0.1 mm to 3 mm, preferably from 1 mm to 1.5 mm and preferably of the order 1, 2 mm, the two parallel planes being advantageously formed by the two parallel opposite faces (B1, B2) of a plate (B) on which the transmitting antennas (Ae1; Ae2; Ae3; Ae4; Ae5; Ae6;

Ae7; Ae8, Ae8 ', Ae9) and passive (Ap1; Ap2; Ap3; Ap4; Ap5; Ap6;

Ap7; Ap8, Ap8 ', Ap9) are in the form of conductive tracks or strips.

3.- Detection device (D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6, D7, D8, D8 ', D9) according to claim 2, wherein the passive antenna (Ap1; Ap2; Ap3; Ap4; Ap5; Ap6; Ap7; Ap8, Ap8 ', Ap9) is substantially, advantageously entirely, inscribed in the transmitting antenna (Ae1; Ae2; Ae3; Ae4; Ae5; Ae6; Ae7; Ae8; Ae8'; Ae9).

4.- Detection device (D1; D2; D3; D4; D5; D6; D7; D8;

D8 ', D9) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmitting antennas (Ae1; Ae2; Ae3; Ae4; Ae5; Ae6; Ae7;

Ae8, Ae8 ', Ae9) and passive (Ap1; Ap2; Ap3; Ap4; Ap5; Ap6; Ap7;

Ap8, Ap8 ', Ap9) have an overall shape, for example rectangular or circular, substantially corresponding to that of the detection zone (Z1, Z2, Z3, Z5, Z6).

5. A detection device (D2, D4, D5, D7, D8, D8 ', D9) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmitting antenna (Ae2; Ae4; Ae5; Ae7; Ae8, Ae8'; Ae9) comprises peripheral segments (1 12; 1 14; 1 15; 1 1a, 1 1b; 1 18; 1 19) and radial segments (122; 124; 125; 127; 128,129) which extend from the peripheral segments (112; 1 14; 1 15; 1 1a, 1 1b; 1 18; 1 19) substantially towards the center of the transmitting antenna (Ae2; Ae4; Ae5; Ae7; Ae8; Ae8 ', Ae9), the radial segments (122; 124; 125; 127; 128, 129) advantageously extending in pairs adjacent and parallel.

6. A detection device (D3, D4, D8, D8 ') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmitting antenna (Ae3; Ae4; Ae8, Ae8') comprises recessed peripheral segments (153; 154; 158) which form inward recesses, advantageously arranged in a centered manner.

7.- detection device (D1; D2; D3; D4; D5; D6; D7; D8; D8 ', D9) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the peripheral segments (11a, 11b) have different widths, advantageously extending in parallel manner, thereby forming inner peripheral segments (11b) having a larger width than that of outer peripheral segments (11a).

8. An assembly comprising at least two detection devices (D8, D8 ', D9) according to any one of the preceding claims, arranged adjacently with the transmitting antennas (Ae8, Ae8', Ae9) disposed in the same foreground and the passive antennas (Ap8, Ap8 ', Ap9) in the same second plane and with a distance between two adjacent detection devices less than 50 mm.

9. An assembly according to claim 8, wherein the transmitting antennas (Ae8, Ae8 ') comprise recessed peripheral segments (158) which form inward recesses, recessed peripheral segments (158) of two adjacent detection (D8, D8 ').

10. An assembly according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein only one of the detection devices (D1; D2; D3; D4; D5; D6; D7; D8; D8 ', D9) is supplied with current to at the same time, while the other detection devices () are totally or partially short-circuited, so as to fulfill a role of Faraday cage.

1 1.- Table game (T) having a game mat () defining at least one detection zone (Z1, Z2, Z3), delimited locally with precision, this detection zone (Z1, Z2, Z3) being equipped a detection device (D1; D2; D3; D4; D5; D6; D7; D8; D8 '; D9) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 for identifying tokens (J), plates or cards, advantageously stacked on this detection zone (Z1, Z2, Z3).

12. A game table (T) having a game mat defining a plurality of detection zones (Z1, Z2, Z3) delimited locally with precision and arranged in an adjacent manner, these detection zones (Z1, Z2, Z3) being equipped of an assembly according to any one of claims 8 to 10 for the identification of tokens (J), plates or cards, advantageously arranged in a stack on these detection zones (Z1, Z2, Z3).